A bride may choose from the sample line of wedding gowns, make changes to a sample bridal gown or have a gown made from her inspiration.

We will have an initial consultation where the bride may try on samples, see photos of previous clients' gowns and I will provide a sketch, written estimate and fabric samples. There is no fee for this meeting. We will then have three to five gown fittings, the first to fit the muslin (test copy), then a few more to perfect the fit and details.

There is much more flexibility with the timeframe when ordering a custom wedding dress than buying retail. The process usually takes three to six months.

However I have made gowns in as little as four weeks.

Fit, Design and Cost.

Fit - Since every gown is handmade and tailored to each bride, the final product will fit perfectly. It is important a bride feels confident and comfortable - if she pulls or shifts in her dress we can address that in fittings. Many women have perceived figure sensitivities, I can minimize those and bring attention to the positive aspects of each bride. I honestly believe every woman has her own brand of beauty - sometimes all you need is someone who can see that beauty and bring it into focus.

Design - Each gown is completely unique, even if the bride chooses a sample style. I have made gowns in every shade of the rainbow from pale pink to black. Some brides request a style from a favorite movie (Audrey Hepburn is a popular choice), perhaps a gown seen at the Oscars (a recent gown was a bridal variation of the black Valentino Julia Roberts wore when she won her Oscar), or a favorite time period (the 1950's are a current trend). The design can also be ahead of what you might see in stores - for those into fashion it's a chance to be before the trends. Since the dress evolves during stages, the final outcome isn't set in stone at the first meeting. Brides may not realize how much they communicate with their movements. I "read" a client's excitement when a detail is suggested or a fabric is chosen.

Cost - A custom gown is a couture quality dress at a reasonable cost. A bride is not paying for a "designer" label made off shore from inferior fabrics - she is purchasing a Canadian made superior product made locally from amazing fabrics and an artist's eye for detail.

I base my estimate on the cost of materials and time involved to make the style. Since all fittings are included there are no additional costly or haphazard alterations.

A short custom made wedding gown will cost between $800-$1500, an average long wedding gown will cost $1500-$2500, a ball gown or full lace gown will start at $2700.

Since the process involves several fittings, changing your shape is not an issue. I usually delay the muslin fitting until some weight has been lost, but since the gown is made in stages we can adjust it until it is finished.

Some brides like to know the final design at the first meeting - others are more willing to go with the creative process. Each option works with having a gown made. At every fitting we will carefully talk about only the details that need to be decided so that the process is not overwhelming, we will refer to other clients who have made similar styles as well as the samples.

Although a bride needs to trust her designer it is a two way street, I will give advice based on my expertise - but only the bride will know if she is comfortable and happy with her choices.

Don't be. You can always e-mail any questions or requests for an appointment. Remember, there is no charge for an initial meeting. The brides I have worked with have found the process of having a gown made the most enjoyable and stress-free aspect of their wedding. I strive to make the experience the most memorable, calm and satisfying part of getting married. After all - it's all about the dress and how special you feel when wearing it.

~ I encourage brides to bring in a selection of photos from whatever source inspires them - be it from fashion magazines, celebrity shots or movie stills. This will tell me so much about a brides personality and vision. The more photos a bride brings, the easier it is to find a theme.

~ Think outside the box when choosing fabric, details or color. A bridal magazine or boutique will only show what is currently selling the most, a cookie cutter approach to style - but with a custom made gown the world is open to you.